Abstract

The exhibition aimed to develop public consciousness of urban environmental issues. It presented a critical analysis of development in Belfast since the peace process. A number of successful social, environmental, and construction projects from other cities were documented to explain alternative approaches. The exhibition also included specific proposals for Belfast developed in partnership with a variety of institutions, groups, and individuals. These included ways to address: the consequences of retail-led development in the city centre; the problems at interface areas between the two communities; the environmental impact of bonfires; and the low environmental quality of towns and cities generally throughout the province. In this way the exhibition aimed to demonstrate paths of initiative through which civil enterprise can resume its formative role in the built environment in Northern Ireland.